Alex
Like a lot of stereotypes, the ones concerning Wesleyan students are based predominantly on superficial impressions and aesthetic assumptions. I think, of all the stereotypes I listed above, the most accurate is this notion of a campus dominated by (politically) liberal thought. While there is a disproportionately vocal chapter of College Republicans on Wesleyan?s campus, I think it?s safe to say that most Wesleyan students cast a ballot for either Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton in the Connecticut Democratic primaries (with most support Obama). That being said, the school of ?liberal? thought on Wesleyan?s campus is by no means monolithic; there is certainly diversity, divisiveness, and dialogue amongst students. If there is one stereotype about Wesleyan students that I believe to be wholly accurate, it is that they are passionate ? passionate about whatever issues matter to them. So, whether it?s ensuring that the eggs at the campus grocery store came from free range, non-hormonal, breastfed chickens, or advocating better rights for our nation?s immigrants, Wesleyan students care about what they are committed to. Also, they?re high most of the time. Just kidding. Sort of.
Sarah
There are definitely naked people, but probably no more than on any other college campus. Wesleyan is also pretty liberal, but probably not as radical or as hardcore activist as people are sometimes led to believe. The movie PCU was based on Wesleyan, but I think that the picture that it gives of campus was more true in the 90's than it is now.
Jess
Its a stereotype. No. It is the trend though, so many people come to Wes, not so inclined to be hippy or hipster liberal extremists, but eventually mold themselves into the little acid washed jeans that fit the role. That being said a lot of people you encounter in classes are normal down to earth people, who may even like republicans or have religious beliefs. Some of my favorite people at Wes were a lacrosse player, a devout ba'hai, and a science major. I really liked the openness at Wesleyan and the real diversity in the student body would really let itself show at most parties. So the diversity was not just in the classroom but in the social scene as well.
Kimber
No. I had never even heard of Brown (I'm pretty gangsta). And I did a lot work...but I loved most of it so much that I didn't feel like I was working.